chain of command

noun

1. a series of administrative or military ranks, positions, etc., in which each has direct authority over the one immediately below.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chain of command¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

Members of the military swear oaths to the Constitution, not to the president or other officials in the chain of command.

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But he noted there was still little information about some crucial details: What was the chain of command on the first day of the Eaton fire?

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Dara Williams, assistant inspector general, said it “would be much better if all complaints were investigated by people who were outside the chain of command.”

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Smith also called out what he saw as “problematic bias” in the way what occurred at the Tujunga protest was reported up the chain of command.

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Ms. Tisch overruled a civilian advisory board by forgoing discipline, but Mr. Mamdani would give the board the last say and neuter the chain of command.

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Related Words

• bureaucracy 
• hierarchy 
• network 
• structure